Relative Adoption Lawyer in Fort Myers, Florida
Assisting Relatives With Adoption in Florida
At Daniels Law, P.A., we have helped numerous people pursue a relative adoption so that they could provide a stable and loving home for a child in their family. While this process can be complicated and emotional, we have the knowledge, skill, and resources to guide you through it. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your situation and how we can help you take steps toward a bright future for you and your family. We can conduct the majority of our business virtually, which makes receiving our counsel incredibly convenient.
You can reach us at (239) 766-6510 or through our online contact form. Since 2011, our Fort Myers relative adoption lawyer has served families throughout Lee and Charlotte Counties.
Who Is Eligible for a Relative Adoption in Florida?
Florida law allows for children to be adopted by relatives within the “third degree of consanguinity.” Some examples of relatives who fit this definition include grandparents and great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, and first cousins.
Relative Adoption Process in Florida
In Florida, relative adoptions are comparatively simpler than third-party adoptions, as they do not require a home study.
The process includes these five steps:
- Filing a petition for adoption in the county where the child lives.
- Gaining consent from the parents. In cases where this is not possible, a lawyer can help adoptive parents still legally pursue the adoption. Courts will generally allow adoptions to move forward if it is clearly in the best interests of the child.
- Completing necessary documentation and including it with the petition.
- Scheduling a judicial hearing.
- Appearing at the hearing, during which a judge will review the petition and decide on finalizing the adoption.
The Benefits of a Relative Adoption
At Daniels Law, P.A., we have seen how beneficial relative adoption can be for families. First and foremost, this type of adoption gives a family member all the crucial parental rights they need to be able to make decisions regarding a child’s health, finances, and education, among other things.
Beyond these rights, there are numerous benefits including:
- Maintaining family connections.
- Providing a child with a more stable environment and a sense of permanency. These things can eliminate the stress and emotional turmoil a child might have felt if they were placed in foster care or separated from their biological family.
- Gaining eligibility for financial assistance from the state that can help offset the costs of raising a child.
- Allowing a child to exit foster care and settle into a permanent home faster than other types of adoption.
Stepparent Adoptions
Stepparent adoptions are not unlike relative adoptions. Neither requires a home study and both are methods of granting parental rights to individuals that are fulfilling the role of a child’s parent. Learn more about the specifics of this type of adoption by visiting our stepparent adoption page.
Common Errors in Relative Adoptions
Adopting a relative can be a straightforward process, but there are common mistakes that individuals may encounter along the way. Some of these include failing to secure proper consent from the biological parents, misunderstanding the legal requirements specific to their county, or overlooking necessary documentation needed for the petition. Additionally, some families might underestimate the emotional implications of the adoption, both for the child and the wider family dynamics. These oversights can lead to delays, legal complications, or even the dismissal of the adoption petition.
How an Adoption Attorney Can Help
An experienced adoption attorney can play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of relative adoption, helping to sidestep the common pitfalls. They offer expert guidance on the legal requirements and ensure that all documents are accurately completed and submitted on time. By facilitating communication with biological parents and other involved parties, an attorney can help secure the necessary consent and handle any objections that may arise. Furthermore, they can provide valuable emotional support and strategic advice to help families manage the transition smoothly, thereby promoting a successful adoption experience for everyone involved.
Protecting the Best Interests of the Child
At Daniels Law, P.A., we understand that the decision to pursue a relative adoption is driven by a desire to provide a stable and loving home for a child in need. Our experienced team of Fort Meyers relative adoption attorneys is dedicated to protecting the best interests of the child throughout the entire adoption process.
When considering a relative adoption, it is important to:
- Understand the legal requirements and eligibility criteria for a relative adoption in Florida
- Ensure that the child's biological parents have legally consented to the adoption
- Complete the necessary paperwork and documentation accurately and efficiently
- Navigate the court system and attend any required hearings or proceedings
By choosing Daniels Law, P.A. as your adoption attorney, you can rest assured that we will guide you through each step of the relative adoption process, providing you with the knowledge and support you need to make informed decisions.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your relative adoption in Fort Myers, Florida.
Contact Our Relative Adoption Lawyer in Fort Myers Today
Our team at Daniels Law, P.A. has worked tirelessly since 2011 to unite families through relative adoptions. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation. We handle the majority of cases through virtual communication. This means that no matter where you are in Charlotte or Lee Counties, our Fort Myers relative adoption attorney’s counsel and advocacy are just a phone call or a few clicks the mouse away.
Send us a message online or get ahold of us by phone at (239) 766-6510.
Read our Five-Star Client Reviews
Compassionate Service Makes a Difference
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Couldn't have asked for better representation during our adoption process. Communication was constant and straightforward, and follow-up was fantastic. Daniels Law, P.A. made everything easier. Highly recommend!- Christopher B.
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Such a positive experience! Daniels Law, P.A. was very helpful with my daughter's adoption. Highly recommended. Excellent communication and worked in a very timely manner.- Nicole P.
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Daniels Law, P.A. was thorough, pleasant, and processed everything in a timely manner. They helped make this important day a breeze. Thank you so much for all you do.- Betzy J.
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“She's honest, trustworthy, fair, and most efficient!”- Christine J.
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“Working with Daniels Law was a breeze! People normally say the adoption process is a hassle but thanks to Theresa, I can’t relate.”- Shantia E.
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“Communication was constant and straightforward, and follow-up was fantastic.”- Christopher B.
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“Theresa was knowledgeable and spoke in terms that were understandable... definitely a five-star lawyer.”- Diane S.
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“She was there early on the day of the adoption and was very friendly.”- Victoria M.